Japanese rider Shoya Tomizawa has died as a result of injuries sustained in today's Moto2 race at Misano.
The 19-year-old was running fourth when he crashed in front of Alex de Angelis and Scott Redding, and was hit at speed by both riders.
He was taken to hospital in Riccione where he was pronounced dead at 14.20 local time.
"On Sunday 5th September during the Moto2 race at the Misano World Circuit, rider Shoya Tomizawa aged 19 suffered a serious crash and subsequent cranial, thoracic and abdominal trauma," said a statement from the organisers.
"Given the seriousness of his condition - especially for the thoracic and abdominal trauma - Tomizawa was immediately treated at the Misano World Circuit medical centre and put under artificial respiration.
"The rider was taken by ambulance to the Riccione hospital accompanied by two doctors - helicopter was not used in order to allow for the proper respiratory support to be administered. Despite various attempts to resuscitate him Shoya sadly succumbed to his injuries at 14.20.
"Everybody involved in MotoGP extends its deepest condolences to Shoya's family and friends at this tragic loss."
Tomizawa had been one of the sensations of the inaugural Moto2 season. He had been a frontrunner in Japanese 125cc and 250cc racing, but only had a handful of wildcard appearances and a season in the 250cc midfield under his belt on the world stage prior to 2010.
He instantly took to Moto2 though, charging to a historic victory for Technomag-CIP in the series' first ever race in Qatar.
Tomizawa proved that result was no one-off by staying with the frontrunners all season, taking pole positions at Jerez and Brno. He was seventh in the championship heading to Misano this weekend.
Of the other riders involved in the fatal accident, de Angelis walked away uninjured, while Redding is receiving treatment at the circuit but is reported to be awake and alert.
The 19-year-old was running fourth when he crashed in front of Alex de Angelis and Scott Redding, and was hit at speed by both riders.
He was taken to hospital in Riccione where he was pronounced dead at 14.20 local time.
"On Sunday 5th September during the Moto2 race at the Misano World Circuit, rider Shoya Tomizawa aged 19 suffered a serious crash and subsequent cranial, thoracic and abdominal trauma," said a statement from the organisers.
"Given the seriousness of his condition - especially for the thoracic and abdominal trauma - Tomizawa was immediately treated at the Misano World Circuit medical centre and put under artificial respiration.
"The rider was taken by ambulance to the Riccione hospital accompanied by two doctors - helicopter was not used in order to allow for the proper respiratory support to be administered. Despite various attempts to resuscitate him Shoya sadly succumbed to his injuries at 14.20.
"Everybody involved in MotoGP extends its deepest condolences to Shoya's family and friends at this tragic loss."
Tomizawa had been one of the sensations of the inaugural Moto2 season. He had been a frontrunner in Japanese 125cc and 250cc racing, but only had a handful of wildcard appearances and a season in the 250cc midfield under his belt on the world stage prior to 2010.
He instantly took to Moto2 though, charging to a historic victory for Technomag-CIP in the series' first ever race in Qatar.
Tomizawa proved that result was no one-off by staying with the frontrunners all season, taking pole positions at Jerez and Brno. He was seventh in the championship heading to Misano this weekend.
Of the other riders involved in the fatal accident, de Angelis walked away uninjured, while Redding is receiving treatment at the circuit but is reported to be awake and alert.
I am an avid MotoGP/Moto2 viewer. I've been to 30+ races, seen everything that probably needs to be seen at a race. But, the one race I did not go to, happens to be the most horrific crash since 2003. I just watched the replay.. and I honestly feel sick. My prayers and thoughts are with his friends and family.
If anyone wishes to watch the replay, feel free. But be warned, you will feel sick to your stomach after seeing it. I still am...
Fatal Crash*click*
God Speed Shoya!
If anyone wishes to watch the replay, feel free. But be warned, you will feel sick to your stomach after seeing it. I still am...
Fatal Crash*click*
God Speed Shoya!
I was actually watching the race on TV, I believe it's this anyway, and it looked just awful. They didn't have any news up to the point I had to leave but the crash just looked horrific, RIP
Rip Tomizawa